Govt to help pay for Jassin's treatment

Govt to help pay for Jassin's treatment

JAKARTA (JP): The government promised yesterday to help pay
for the medical treatment of Hans Bague Jassin, one of the
country's leading writers.

"The government will do its best to help finance Jassin," said
Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono while visiting the 80-year-old
in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.

Jassin, born in the North Sulawesi regency of Gorontalo on
July 31, 1917, was admitted to the hospital on June 6 after
lengthy treatment at St. Carolus Hospital.

After hearing Moerdiono's promise, Mrs. Jassin cried and
thanked the government for its offer, Antara reported.

Moerdiono also promised to discuss Jassin's health with
President Soeharto.

Doctors said that Jassin had had a stroke because of his age
and high cholesterol.

Indonesia's "Literary Pope", as Jassin is nicknamed by
admirers, can hardly speak and his left side is paralyzed.

His eyes opened when a doctor whispered to him that Moerdiono
was visiting. "I'm Moerdiono and I wish you well," the minister
said.

Doctors said they were working hard to try and make Jassin
well enough to walk in three months and that they were playing
recorded Islamic sermons to help him maintain contact with his
surroundings. (pan)